If you’re tempted to loosen up and let your child swap reading for screen time this summer, think again. Numerous studies have shown that year-round reading is essential for early childhood development. Not only do students who continue to read over the summer return to school with stronger reading and comprehension skills, but they also report higher levels of confidence. Below are a few more reasons summer reading is beneficial for children.

How Summer Reading Enhances Early Childhood Development

1. Helps Children Retain Information 

According to a 2010 study, children who do not read over the summer lose at least two months of the reading skills they’ve developed by the end of the school year. Often referred to as the “summer slide,” this hiatus can significantly hamper early childhood development. It puts children at a major disadvantage when they return to school, as children who do read over the summer come back with at least a month’s worth of increased reading proficiency. 

2. Enhances Comprehension & Critical Thinking

Studies have also shown that summer reading enhances early childhood development by improving children’s comprehension and critical thinking abilities. When students read, they do more than practice spelling, grammar, and pronunciation; they also expand their vocabulary and sharpen critical thinking skills such as problem solving, interpretation, inference, and decision making.

3. Boosts Overall Knowledge

Summer reading is also essential for early childhood development because it boosts children’s intellectual abilities in multiple subjects. A 2013 study found that students who read for fun showed higher aptitudes in spelling, math, and vocabulary than children who read only what was required of them. When a child reads over the summer, they’re doing more than practicing literacy skills. They’re also expanding their general knowledge, improving their comprehension, and learning to flex new intellectual muscles.

To learn more about the importance of summer reading for early childhood development, reach out to Christian Chapel Day Care in Onalaska, WI. Staffed by state-certified teachers and educators with degrees in early childhood and elementary education degrees, this day care and learning center provides a rich faith-based curriculum designed to strengthen your child’s skills and encourage their creativity. Visit their website to learn more about what they offer, and call (608) 783-5722 to ask about availability.